Learned what ether lock is

[Recoveryhill]

To all who post that "a little ether" is ok, sorry, you are wrong. Any use of ether in these engines is destructive. It doesn't matter if it is introduced when the glow plug is on or off. The explosive nature of this volatile compound produces combustion pressures beyond what the engine was designed to contain. Probably a cracked piston head is the most likely result but broken rings, cylinder or head/valve damage is quite possible.

The "squirt a little ether" into a modern small displacement diesel engine advice is the same as "pour a little gasoline on the woodpile" fire starting advice.

Full battery charge, healthy glow plugs, clean air filter, properly treated fuel for cold weather and a block heater for extreme cold will start a diesel engine with proper compression, every time. If yours won't start, check the above and correct, including a compression check.

 

[Tx Jim]

To all who post that "a little ether" is ok, sorry, you are wrong. Any use of ether in these engines is destructive. It doesn't matter if it is introduced when the glow plug is on or off. The explosive nature of this volatile compound produces combustion pressures beyond what the engine was designed to contain. Probably a cracked piston head is the most likely result but broken rings, cylinder or head/valve damage is quite possible.

The "squirt a little ether" into a modern small displacement diesel engine advice is the same as "pour a little gasoline on the woodpile" fire starting advice.

Full battery charge, healthy glow plugs, clean air filter, properly treated fuel for cold weather and a block heater for extreme cold will start a diesel engine with proper compression, every time. If yours won't start, check the above and correct, including a compression check.

I totally agree. I've seen too many engines ruined from misuse of ether.

 

[skyhook]

Well, everyone has their own opinion.
Like I said, a little squirt 'mist" is all that should be used, if needed.
When your out in the middle of nowhere, can't do all the mentioned above,
it's your only option to get it going.
Many backhoe's and tractor trailers come equipped with auto "either' injection, when need.
The key is, be carefull and use very little.
PS, I have used a little help with woodpiles, gas, diesel fuel, whatever i needed to get it started.
Moderation and common sense is the key.

 

[DK35vince]

Machines I have seen that have diesel engines equipped with glow plugs has a waning label on it to never use starting fluid or an explosion may occur.

 

[RoMad]

I also wondered why he shovelled a path wide enough for the tractor. If the tractor wouln't make it's own path through the snow you might as well leave it in the barn and go back in the house and drink beer where it's warm.

 

[easygo]

I never tried using beer for cold starts. I learned something I will use in the future. :thumbsup::drink:

 

[TexasBoy]

Ether is like crack cocaine to a diesel. Just say NO. The compression figures are just too high.

 

[Leejohn]

So, did anyone else notice in his story that he shovelled a path wide enough for the tractor on the way to the barn?

Now that's a story.

Yes I did and as I read a little more, it must of been the beer before hand. It made me remember what the guy across the street did one time. I seen him leave for work and in a little while seen him walling back. He got his gas can walled back and I be d--- here he came back with the gas can put it in his shop, then walked back to his car.

 

[RaydaKub]

If you will look at your BX2230 you will find the glow plugs(parts key #140 in parts catalog PN 16851-65512) screwed into the cyl head not the intake manifold. All engines that I've seen with glow plugs have them in cyl head. Thermo-start heating elements are in the intake which are different from GP's

There are several 'how things work' pages out there. I just didn't bother until now. I was told how glow plugs worked ages ago and just accepted it as gospel. Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[batwing]

I totally agree. I've seen too many engines ruined from misuse of ether.

Try WD40 it works very well.
Ron